Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{203986,
        author = {JYOTI MUKESH RATHI},
        title = {Beyond Arbuda: Integrative Ayurvedic Perspectives on Cancer Biology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Supportive Oncology Care},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {499-507},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=203986},
        abstract = {Background: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually. Despite significant advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, challenges such as recurrence, metastasis, treatment toxicity, reduced quality of life, and psychosocial burden continue to affect cancer patients globally. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, does not directly describe “cancer” as a single disease entity but explains various conditions resembling neoplastic disorders through concepts such as Arbuda, Granthi, Gulma, Dushta Vrana, Apachi, and Visarpa. These descriptions provide an extensive philosophical and clinical framework to understand abnormal tissue growth, chronic inflammation, impaired metabolism, and systemic degeneration. Aim: This review critically analyzes the Ayurvedic understanding of cancer and correlates classical concepts with modern oncological principles, including carcinogenesis, inflammation, immune dysregulation, tumor biology, metastasis, cellular metabolism, and supportive care. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and contemporary scientific literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WHO/IARC reports, were reviewed. Ayurvedic concepts such as Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana, Agnimandya, Ama, Srotorodha, Dhatu Dushti, Ojas Kshaya, Dushi Visha, Vegadharana, and Satva were critically correlated with modern theories of chronic inflammation, genetic mutation, tumor microenvironment, metabolic dysregulation, immunosuppression, and psycho-oncology. Results: Ayurveda conceptualizes cancer as a Tridoshaja Vyadhi involving deranged Agni, Ama accumulation, Dhatu dysfunction, Srotas obstruction, and impaired immune vitality. Modern correlates include mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA mutation, altered cell signaling, chronic inflammation, immune escape, and uncontrolled proliferation. Ayurvedic management emphasizes prevention, personalized treatment, detoxification, immune enhancement, dietary correction, Rasayana therapy, and psychosomatic balance. Herbs such as Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Turmeric, Tulasi, Kanchanar Guggulu, Neem, and Bhallataka have been shown in contemporary studies to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. Conclusion: Ayurvedic principles offer a valuable integrative framework for understanding cancer beyond a purely molecular perspective. The incorporation of Ayurvedic preventive strategies, Rasayana therapy, Panchakarma, dietary interventions, and psycho-spiritual care may contribute to improved quality of life, supportive oncology care, symptom management, and holistic rehabilitation. Further interdisciplinary clinical trials and translational research are required to establish evidence-based integrative oncology protocols.},
        keywords = {Cancer; Ayurveda; Arbuda; Granthi; Integrative Oncology; Rasayana; Dhatwagni; Ojas; Ama; Immunomodulation; Chronic Inflammation; Tumor Biology},
        month = {June},
        }